I love Valentine’s Day, and one of the reasons is that my partner and I decided, at the start of our relationship, that we would do nothing romantic on Valentine’s Day. (New Years Eve is our “romantic holiday.”) Instead, we’d hook up with our not-paired-up friends and do whatever the hell suited us. Still, I’ll take any excuse to buy a new dress, so I almost always wear one on V-day.

Whether or not you have a partner, I suggest that you find something interesting or unique to do on Valentine’s Day: go to a live show, take a winter hike, or eat a kind of food you’ve never tried before. Do something memorable, whether or not you do something romantic.

And do it in a dress.

When it comes to classic, versatile, eco-friendly dresses, Gaiam is so underrated. I love the modest high neck on the Rose Pleated Dress, and would wear it to a Valentine’s dinner, then bring it out again for a spring wedding. Similarly, the Kimono Dress goes with anything and everything. It’s snowing in Seattle, and I’d still wear it – with black leggings, cute snow boots and a cardigan. In a few months I’d pair it with a big, chunky necklace and wood-heeled wedges. The Empire Waist Maxi is so classic v-day, with its bright red color and low v-neck, that it’s probably the most “obvious” choice for this list. And red is such an underrated color! More people should wear red.

All three dresses are made from bamboo and organic cotton.

God, how I wish the ASOS dress was available in more sizes. It’s so casual, but also interesting, you know? Both the FIN Oslo dress and the Cangiari dress would be GREAT for food babies. (It’s Valentine’s Day, which means I will definitely be eating dessert. Lots of it.)

Barring the silly names – Senorita dress? Really? – I whole-heartedly approve of these organic cotton dresses by Athleta. They come in so many colors! If you’re doing anything physical on Valentine’s Day – and I’m seriously considering going on a winter hike – this dress, under or over other warming layers – would be really fun.

Eye-catching organic cotton dresses are hard to find, but it is possible. Annie Greenabelle’s aesthetic is feminine and vintage – sometimes almost so feminine that it’s saccharine. This is one of Greenabelle’s more mellow dresses, but you can find her others the dress section of ModCloth.

And Theory…oh, Theory. I can’t wait until I have the funds to wear Theory dresses all the time. They’re so stunning! This beauty is made from silk and bamboo, so please don’t wear it hiking. Thanks.

This is such a “Valentine’s Day, whatever” dress. When I first saw the striped version I thought, “Uh, yeah, big chunky boots, obviously,” and though the second is a little more feminine due to its purple-ness, it’s still a little more chill, and easier to punk up, than some of the other dresses on this list. If you’re feeling bitter over Valentine’s Day, please wear this dress, and also wear too much eye makeup, and also listen to early nineties grunge bands.

(I’m so demanding.)

Tags: athletic, bamboo, dress, holiday dresses, organic cotton, valentines day